William P. Pilling, 81, of New Bedford died January 21, 2004 at New Bedford Rehabilitation Hospital after a long illness.

He was the husband of Mary C. (Fagundes) Pilling,and son of the late William and Ethel (Johnston) Pilling.

Mr. Pilling was born in Staleybridge, Cheshire, England, and had lived in New Bedford for most of his life.

He was a communicant of St. Lawrence Church.

Mr. Pilling was formerly employed by My Bread Baking Company for 33 years until his retirement.

He was a member of the Bakers and Confectioners Union.

Mr. Pilling served in the US Coast Guard during World War II.

He volunteered his time at the Missionary Sisters of Charity and Holy Family - Holy Name School. He enjoyed bowling and going to Boston Red Sox games.

Survivors include his wife; 2 sons, William P. Pilling, Jr., and his wife Joan E., of Acushnet and Ronald D. Pilling of New Bedford; 5 grandchildren, Gregory Pilling, Kevin Pilling, Megan Pilling, Kyle Aguiar and Jamie Aguiar; and a great-grandson, Gavin Pilling.

He was the father of the late Victoria M. Pilling-Aguiar and brother of the late Charlotte Pilling, Josephine Jackson and Mildred Claudo.

Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New BedfordSaturday, January 24th at 8 AM.Funeral Mass at St. Lawrence Church at 9 AM.Relatives and friends are invited to attend.

Visiting hours Friday, January 23rd from 4-8 PM.

Interment Riverside Cemetery.